Miss Loring

Yin-Yang Cycles-Self 2D/ 7th-9th grade/ 2 weeks to teach lesson (10

days)

Goals:
Students will think critically about the concept of Yin-Yang and
apply it to their artworks. Students will connect their Yin-Yang ideas
by depicting their inner and outer self through a circular image
using a variety of materials.
Objectives:
1. Students will discuss symbolism in art based on the idea of yin-yang.
(VA:Cr2.1.7a ) Critical Thinking, Complex Communication
2. Students will analyze artworks in their table groups and discover how the
artist used yin-yang in their piece and the idea of circle and cycles in art
meaning.
(VA:Re.7.1.7a, VA:Re8.1.7a ) Complex Communication, Collaboration, Critical
Thinking
3. Students will brainstorm the ideas of cycles and Yin-Yang by creating a list
of ideas for their yin-yang artworks. (VA:Cr2.3.7a) Flexibility and Adaptability
4. Students will connect their ideas of Yin-Yang and continuous cycles, then
represent them by creating their piece using color and emotion through
painting, drawing, or collage work within a circle shape. (VA:Cn10.1.7a )
Creativity, Flexibility and Adaptability
5. Students will reflect and write an artist statement explaining their artwork
and how they chose to depict Yin-Yang in their artworks for their evaluation.
(VA:Cr3.1.7a , VA:Cn11.1.7a) Complex Communication
6. Students will successfully complete their Yin-Yang Cycle 2/D project which
depicts some sort of balance and have a class critique using the paper and
comment method, and at the end they share the comments which stood out
to them the most. (VA:Pr5.1.7a) Productivity and Accountability
Prerequisites:
Painting basics

drawing basics
Collaging basics
Materials: Blick Dick
Paint:Blickrylic Student Acrylics - Mixing Color Set, Pack of 6 Colors, Pints- 2
=$27.30
Watercolor: Crayola Educational Watercolor Pans - 6= $25.62
Charcoal/Pencil
Brushes: Acrylic: Dynasty Fine Ruby Synthetic Brush Set - Set of 72 $76.49
Water color: $46.28
Markers: Sharpie Fine Point Marker Set - Assorted Colors, Set of 8 - 6 =
$34.56
Compasses: Helix Safety Compass - Locking- 8 = $12.64
Paper: Canson Montval Acrylic Paper Pad - 9" x 12", 10 Sheets- 2 = $13.78
Gesso: Blick Artists Acrylic Gesso - White, Quart Jar = $16.99
Scissors
Exacto Knife:X-Acto Knife: #1 With Cap-8 = $25.92
Magazines
Adhesive such as Modpodge :Starter Set, Set of 5 colors, 4 oz= $12.39
Total: $319.27
Safety Hazards:
Make sure everyone is careful while using exacto knives to cut collage paper.
Vocabulary Words:
Symbolism: An artistic and poetic movement or style using symbolic images
and indirect suggestion to express mystical ideas, emotions, and states of
mind.
Abstract: Uses a visual language of shape, form, color and line to create a
composition which may exist with a degree of independence from visual
references in the world.
Yin-Yang: Opposites which create harmony.
dry brush: Allowing your brush to be more dry with a touch of paint and no
water.
tints/shades: Tints are colors with white added/ shades are colors with black
added
Interdisciplinary Connections:
1. Students will read the comments of the Critique and pick 3 to
share out loud. (Reading)
2. Students can use a compass to create the size of their circle.
(Math)

3. Students will write an artist statement about their work.

(Language Arts)
Artist ( + 3 images)/ Resources :
http://astrolibrary.org/elements/
Research Yin/Yang self activity
Marc Chagall is known for his poetic and figurative style. His
figurative art, was inspired by his Jewish heritage. He absorbed his ideas of
figurative ideas from Fauvism and Cubism, while still keeping his narrative
and figurative ideas. Chagall was born in Russia and then moved to France in
1910 and became a prominent figure within the Ecole de Paris. Later he
spent time in the United States and the Middle East and kept pursuing his
dream like qualities in his paintings.
I and the Village
Marc Chagall
1911
Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 192.1 cm 151.4 cm (75.6 in 59.6 in)
Location: Museum of Modern Art, NY

Handout:

Marc Chagall
"The Fiddler"
1912
Gustav Klimt was an Austrian painter which was an advocator of the
movement of Art Nouveau. He is known for his incorporation of gold leaf into
his paintings and his fancy decorations in his paintings. He was known as a
decorative painter, using patterns and colors to convey the emotion in his
artwork. He was the first president of the Vienna Secession, and he endured
this style would become widely influential.

The Tree of Life

Gustav Klimt
1905
Handout: Klimt, The Kiss, Dimensions: 5' 11" x 5' 11" Created: 19071908

Kumi Yamashita is a contemporary artist which works in New York City,

NY. She was born in Takasaki, Japan. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts
degree from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington and her
Master of Fine Arts degree from Glasgow School of Art. Yamashita casts light
on seemingly-random objects to create surprising yet beautiful shadow art.
At first glance, her work may appear to be the silhouettes of people, but look
closer and they are actually an assortment of wood blocks, sheets of paper
or aluminum, fabrics, and stainless steel plates attached to walls, which she
shines a light on at just the right angle, thereby transforming simple,
everyday items into extraordinary art. Realistic characters come to life from
inanimate objects, such as a crease in a leaf of paper transforms into a
shadowy face. Perspective and imagination play a big role in her work. If she
makes one false move, then her whole piece would change. Yamashita
focuses her work on the human figure with evokes a narrative.
Conversation, Kumi Yamashita, 1999, H150, W40, D40cm
Styrene, motor, single light source, shadow

City View
Kumi Yamashita
2003
H250, W500, D5cm
Aluminum numbers,
single light source, shadow
Commissioned by:
Namba Parks Tower, Osaka Japan.

9.) Lesson Procedure

Day 1:

Goodmorning everyone! Today we are starting our next big

project using 2/D materials. Our big idea for this project is Yin-Yang. Can
anyone tell me what Yin-Yang is? (pick on a couple students)(starts
powerpoint) Yes, great input! Yin-Yang are opposites in the chinese astrology.
The universe is both constant and cyclical according to the Yin-Yang
Philosophy. One force dominates and then it is replaced by the opposing
force. This activity continues constantly and repeats itself over time in a the

form of a cycle. Yin and yang are opposite in nature, but they are part of
nature, they rely on each other, and they can't exist without each other. The
balance of yin and yang is important. If yin is stronger, yang will be weaker,
and vice versa. Yin and yang can have aspects of each other, hinting the
white dot in the Yin and the black dark apart of Yang. It is believed that
yinyang exists in everything. In traditional Chinese, Yin-Yang is still important
in Chinese medicine and feng shui today. Yin characterizes the feminine or
negative nature of things and Yang stands for the masculine or positive side.
Lets discuss in your table groups and tell me what you know about Yin-Yang.
(students brainstorm, pick one person from each table to represent)
Lets try to connect Yin-Yang to ourselves and our inner and outer self.
Who can tell me what is the inner versus your outer self?(pick students to
answer) For example, I am more shy on the inside and I would say and I am
more fun and loud on my outside. Now let's have fun and a quick activity:
Look up your personal Yin-Yang sign through your sun sign using this website
on your ipads (chromebooks). http://astrolibrary.org/elements/
Are you more Yin or Yang in your personality? Represent your Inner/Outer
Self through The Yin/Yang examples: figures, emotions, seasons. How can
you depict these Yin-Yangs within yourself? Now take out a piece of paper
and start your list of examples of yin-yang. Some of my examples are: Life
and death, Heaven and earth, Night and Day, Dark and Light, Health and
sickness, Poverty and wealth, and Cycle of the seasons- hot-cold. How can
you connect these ideas to your inner/outer self? (think pair-share at tables

then discuss) Some things you can look for are opposites in aesthetic, color,
shape, form, ideas, figures, and architecture in artwork. (10min)
(Shows pictures of artists) I am Village is a piece by Russian-Jewish
artist, Marc Chagall. Chagall was known for his use of color, folky themes,
and his expression through his paintings. Now, look at the detailed image.
What do you see which depicts Yin-Yang in this piece? Animal /Human,
Opposing Colors (complimentary, warm/cool colors) Upside down/ right side
up are some examples of Chagall depicting Yin-Yang throughout his painting.
(3 min.)
The next artwork I am going to show you is The Tree of Life by Gustav
Klimt. Klimt was an Art Nouveau artist which painted designs and female and
male figures with gold leaf. Now, look at the detailed image. What do you see
which depicts Yin-Yang in this piece? Yes the Branches=Life, Crow=death,
Heaven and Earth are all great examples of Yin-Yang. (3 min)
Activity: Now In your table groups, take a look at your art piece and
go ahead and discuss what is depicted as Yin-Yang. (Students are provided
The Kiss handout and the Fiddler handout) ( Pick student from each
group and let them share.) What are the Yin-Yangs in these pieces,
remember it could be opposite in aesthetic, color, shape, form, ideas, figures,
and architecture. (5 min)
Let's talk about the 2/D project! You are supposed to create your own
Yin-Yang piece which uses color and emotion to communicate your own idea
of Yin-Yang. First you will brainstorm a list of Yin-Yang ideas and opposites,

then you will choose at least one or more ideas and incorporate them into
your artwork. Your artwork can be depicted through painting, drawing, or
collage. The only guideline you have is to make a 5-8 inch circle, to draw on
your piece of paper by using a compass. Then you will work within your
paper circle. You will express your Yin-Yang ideas in your artwork through a
continuous cycle inside the circle you will create. You will then cut the circle
out and tape it to foam board to frame it. The circle represents the cycle of
Yin-Yang and it mimics the Yin-Yang symbol, so this will help you stay focused
on your work and give you inspiration on your ideas. Your Art Piece must
have balance and flow from one opposite to the other. Essential questions
for this lesson are: What will you depict in your Yin-Yang Cycle piece? How
can you flow these balances together? How can you use color and emotion to
depict your inner and outer self and to connect to your ideas of Yin-Yang?
(Show a class example) This is my example of Yin-Yang that I painted with
acrylic, sharpie, glitter glue, and watercolor. I depicted many Yin- Yangs, by
showing man/women, night/day, happy/sad, and light/dark. I can relate to my
piece because I have more shy yin qualities since I am a scorpio. I also have
a sagittarius moon, which is more yang and outgoing. The fire represents
sagittarius and my flowy hair represents my water sign in Scorpio. Does
anyone have any questions about the project? (5min)
Today we will focus on drawing our 5-8 inch circle on thick paper, by
using the compasses. deciding if you want to use paint. If so, you need to
use white gesso to cover your paper to make it strong enough to paint on.

After you draw your circle, start creating a list of ideas for your project. You
can brainstorm and talk to your neighbors about your ideas, but keep the
noise level down. (20 min)
Ok, now it is time to clean up and keep thinking of your ideas for next
class! Next class you will finish brainstorming and decide on your idea for
your Yin-Yang piece and start working (4 min.)
Day 2: Hello everyone, today you will finish your list of ideas for Yin-Yang,
pick your materials to create your artwork and have a workday. I want to
review what we learned last week. What is an example of Yin-Ying you can
use in your project? (call on three students to check for understanding) Yes,
Ying-Yang can be used in your markings, color, emotion of your piece, and
your overall idea of your 2/D project. Remember you will express your YinYang ideas in your artwork within a continuous cycle inside the circle you
created the other day. Does anyone have any questions about getting
started on this project? I have a quick demo on drawing, painting, and
collaging, everyone gather around. (5 min.)
(I will show a painting, drawing, collage, and a sharpie demo for
students to refresh their memories. I will show dry brush, watercolor mixing,
and resist methods, as well as sharpie thickness and how different lines and
thickness will add depth to their works. I will then show them how to
modpodge their magazine papers as a collage.) Make sure everyone is
careful while using exacto knifes to cut collage paper! Use a piece of
cardboard to go under your paper you are going to cut. This makes it so the

table won't get scratched. I will walk around the room if you need any help,
raise your hand and I will come to you. (10 min)
Students will work on their Yin-Yang projects by painting, collaging, or
drawing within their circle, depicting a cycle of Yin-Yang of their choice. Work
Time (30 min.)
Everyone it is now time to clean up! Next class time is a workday and I
will demo whatever you need to be shown again. Before you leave today you
will write me an exit ticket, making a list of demos you would like to see
again, as well as a list of your ideas and material choice for your yin-yang
project. (this checks for understanding) (5 min.)
Day 3: Welcome everyone, today is a workday. I will show any demos during
work time. You are welcome to watch or keep working on your Yin-Yang
project. This project will be due in the next 7 class periods (Next Friday). This
is the day to really go at it and get your 2/D project in a good shape. (5 min.)
(Students will have rest of class time to work on their Yin-Yang projects
and view demos) (40 min.)
Time to clean up! tomorrow we are going to have another workday and
demo day! (5 min.)
Day 4 : Goodmorning everyone, today is a workday. I will show any demos
that you want to see again or if you have any questions during work time.
You are welcome to watch or keep working on your Yin-Yang project. This
project will be due next Friday. Today will be a great workday! Get ready to
work! (5 min.)

(Students will have rest of class time to work on their Yin-Yang projects
and view demos) (40 min.)
Let's start cleaning up! We are going to have another workday and
demo day tomorrow to get more of your project done! The demos will be on
ask basis, so you will need to ask me which techniques you want me to go
over again. (5 min.)
Day 5: Hello, today is a workday. I will show any demos you ask me during
work time today for your Yin-Yang project. This project will be due on the next
Friday. This is the day to really get a lot of stuff done to your 2/D project. (5
min.)
(Students will have rest of class time to work on their Yin-Yang projects
and view demos) (40 min.)
It is clean up time! Next week on Monday, we are going to have
another workday and demo day! (5 min.)
Day 6: Welcome everyone, today is your second to last workday for your 2/D
Yin-Yang project. I will show any demos ( cutting, dry brush, wet brush, mod
podge, mixing tints/shades) during work time. Remember this project will be
due this Friday! Everyone should be more than half way done on their
projects by now. You will have two more class periods to complete your
project. Does anyone have any questions about the project? (5 min.)
(Students will have rest of class time to work on their Yin-Yang projects
and ask to view demos) (40 min.)

Time to clean up! Tomorrow we are going to have our last full day
workday! Then We will start our artist statements about your work on
wednesday. Think about ways to finish your pieces. You can outline with
sharpie, add glitter, write around the border a message or narrative that
connects to yin-yang, or make a border with a new color paper. Have a nice
day!
(5 min.)
Day 7: Bonjour everyone, today is our last workday for your 2/D Yin-Yang
project. Remember this project will be due this Friday! Everyone should be
finishing their final touches on their Yin-Yang project by now. Does anyone
have any questions about the project? Next class we will focus on finishing
up our projects and get started writing our artist statements for Friday. (5
min.)
(Students will have rest of class time to work on their Yin-Yang projects
and ask to view demos) (40 min.)
Next class you will start writing your artist statement about your art
piece and you can take it home to finish it if you cant get it done in the next
2 class periods. We will have a class critique the last day of this lesson which
is on Friday! I want the papers done and handed in the day of the critique, so
you will be graded on your artist statement and your project itself. We will
talk more about the artist statement the beginning of next class tomorrow.
Tomorrow we are going to have our last partial workday! Have a fantastic
rest of your day! (5 min)

Day 8: Bonjour! Today we will finish our Yin-Yang project and then start
writing our artist statements. The artist statements are due this Friday before
class critique. I will give everyone a handout for a guideline to write our artist
statement. Make sure to cut out your circle today and tape it to the black
foam board by the end of class! Lets get to work! You will work for 25 min.
then I will stop the class to explain your artist statements. (5 min.)
(Students will have rest of class time to finish their Yin-Yang projects
and ask questions) ( I will walk around the room and help students and
provide handouts to the students who are finished with their project to start
their artist statements. ) (25 min.)
(When there is 20 min left of class I will explain the artist statement
handout to students, so they can start and everyone understands their
expectations.) Does anyone have any questions or concerns about your
artist statement? 10 min of work time on your artist statements and project
then clean up! Talk: (5 min.)
(Students will work on artist statements and their projects) (10 min.)
It is time to clean up! Your artist statements are due in 2 class periods,
so the due date is this Friday. Tomorrow you will try to finish up your artist
statement in class. We will have a critique and then hang our works in the
hall on Friday! Have a great rest of your day! (5 min.)
Day 9: Welcome everyone! Today is going to be an exciting day to finish
writing your artist statements. (Review artist statement instructions from

yesterday.) I will walk around the room if anyone needs help. Any questions
before we start? (5 min.)
Work time for artist statements. (I will check for understanding by
going around the room and helping students.) (40 min.)
Time to clean up and head out! Tomorrow is our class critique, so make
sure your artist statement and your 2/D project is complete. If you need to,
take them home so you are finished by tomorrow. Have a fun rest of your
day! (5 min.)
Day 10: Hello everyone! Today your artist statements are due and we
will have a class critique on our Yin-Yang 2/D projects. (3 min.)
(Critique outside the class using the accordion style comments on
paper.) Write down a comment on everyone's pieces of paper by their art
works. Remember these comments are to be positive and constructive, no
negative comments such as I don't like this allowed. (20 min.)
Now lets hang up our artworks in the hallway and then you will pick out
three comments which were your favorite. Then we will go around and share
your three favorite comments to the class. (20 min.)
Everyone have a seat it is time for reflection! Discuss at your tables
your favorite part of the Yin-Yang project. What was your favorite part of the
Yin-Yang project? (Call on a few hands) What did you think of the critique?
What could you have done better? ( call on hands) Ok great job reflecting on
your project! Next week we will discuss our Ying-Yang project of Opposites
using 3/D materials! Have a fabulous day! (7 min.)

12.) Assessment/Evaluation (your assessment must match your

objectives!)
Following pages:
Artist statement Handout
Rubric

Artists Statement Guidelines for 2/D Yin-Yang Cycles

project
What is an artists statement?
The artist's statement describes who you are as an artist and what
your art is about. Artists statements are used as marketing tools to sell you
and your work; to inform viewers your ideas about yourself and your work.
They help the viewer to understand.
Some General Guidelines
Use an economy of words! (examples: vivid, flowy, lifelike,
growth, depth, ect.)
Use active words and present tense; avoid
Keep it professional: use good paper, clean layout, and simple
fonts.
Describe your style and medium (this is a good place to point out
your unique creative processes)
Include events or experiences that have contributed to your
development as an artist.
Give a concise and authoritative close.
Avoid pretentiousness; make it easy and interesting to read and
understand

Planning
Begin by brainstorming words and phrases. Do not be concerned about
writing complete sentences. The following questions are meant as prompts
to help you begin. You may choose to develop other questions.
What are your personal art values or aesthetic?
How are your personal art values or aesthetic seen in your
artwork?
What do you like best about the finished product?
Describe the medium you use.
Describe the style you used to communicate your idea. (ex.
realistic, whimsical, comical, dark, fantasy, ect.)
Describe the theme(s)of Yin-Yang that runs through your work.
Putting the Artists Statement Together: A Sample
One Page Typed, Times New Roman, font 12, MLA style.
MLA: Type in header> (fill in blank space, do not actually write out
name:, Class:, ect.) LOL :P
Name: ___________
Class: Art Block #______
Teacher: Miss Loring
Date: ex. November 15, 2015
Paragraph I: Make a clear and concise statement about your artistic values or
aesthetic or why you create. Support that statement with at least two
reasons.
Paragraph II: Describe your Yin-Yang project in such a way as to guide a
viewer to understanding. This could include your use of the elements of art
and principles of design, your unique use of tools and materials, or your
style.
Paragraph III. Give the reader/viewer closure. Give a few more hints about
your work. This is where you can point out a theme or discuss those
experiences or emotions that influence your work.
Review and Revise
Edit for grammar, content, understanding, and effective layout. :D

Artists Statement Rubric for 2/D Yin-Yang Cycles project

7th-9th grade
Miss Loring
Student name: ____________________

Total score: _______/100________

CATEGORY
Creativity

Concept

Above Level

3 At Level

2 Working
Towards Level

1 Needs
Improvement

The concept of YinYang was shown

using remarkable
color and emotion to
depict their inner and
outer selves (mark
making or feelings) to
create a drawing,
painting, or collage.

The concept of YinYang was shown

using color and
emotion to depict
their inner and
outer selves (mark
making or feelings)
to create a drawing,
painting, or collage.

The concept of YinYang was shown

using average and
basic color or
emotion to depict
their inner and outer
selves (mark
making or feelings)
to create a drawing,
painting, or collage.

The concept of YinYang was shown

using poor depiction
of color or emotion
to depict their inner
and outer selves
(mark making or
feelings) to create a
drawing, painting, or
collage.

Their artwork had a

unique continuous

Their artwork had a

continuous cycle

Their artwork had

little sense of a

Their artwork had

extremely little

Artist Statement

Handout:

cycle which flowed

and balanced well to
depict Yin-Yang.

which flowed and

balanced well to
depict Yin-Yang.

continuous cycle
which barely flowed
and balanced well
to depict Yin-Yang.

sense of a
continuous cycle
which did not flow
and balance well to
depict Yin-Yang.

Artist Statement was

Fabulous, including
great reflection of
their artwork! Student
followed guidelines
and shared their
personal reflections
and description of
their work.

Artist Statement,
included a well
rounded reflection
of their artwork The
student connected
in places to
guidelines..

Artist Statement
was average, didnt
include many
reflection sentences
of their artwork.

Artist Statement
was poor, didnt
include many
reflection sentences
or thoughtful words
of their artwork.

Marc Chagall
"The Fiddler"
1912
Handout:

Klimt
The Kiss
Dimensions: 5' 11" x 5' 11"
Created: 19071908